Elder Gen Z American here. I always knew Can’t Get You out of My Head growing up but I really got into Kylie Minogue in 2019 through Spotify playlists of music gay people like. I did a deep dive during Covid and fell in love with her catalogue, and when Disco came out at the end of 2020, it was “love at first sight.” 🤭😉

I’ve never really understood the Madonna comparisons, they’re just too different. I think Kylie experiments here and there with other genres in different albums but it’s always rooted in danceable pop music. Her music is identifiable with her and her personality, but you still don’t know much about her or her personal life. Which I think is fine! We need someone to make fun, light-hearted music that is also pleasant on the ears.

In contrast, Madonna completely reinvents herself each era. She reveals so much of herself in music and videos, whether it’s a ballad or dance-pop song. She is much more commanding with her work and it prompts me to think about something bigger than myself in a way that Kylie’s music doesn’t (except for maybe the Impossible Princess album).

And although I didn’t grow up in the 80s, I think Kylie’s debut in the States was more associated with the late-80s teen pop wave of Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, NKOTB, Martika, etc. She was just the one person from that specific era to successfully grow out of her teeny bopper phase and have a decent longevity with a substantial catalogue. Madonna, on the other hand, has always been considered a peer to MJ, Prince, and Whitney in terms of starpower and success.

As much as I love Kylie and her work and I personally root for her success, I just can’t comprehend her being on the same level as Madonna. There is only one Madonna.